Patient Care Resources

The Fetal Center is pleased to announce the new fetal surgery for spina bifida patient educational video. The video serves as a guide for patients and their families faced with the prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida as they explore their treatment options. The animated feature takes patients through the decision-making process by providing information on the etiology and natural history of spina bifida as well as the pathophysiology leading to the many complications associated with the condition. In addition, an extensive breakdown of the MOMS (Management of Myelomeningocele Study) is provided in a patient-friendly format in order to understand the key principles and outcomes associated with the randomized trial. Families are provided with a step-by-step guide through the comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation and consultation process followed by a detailed look at the fetal surgery patient experience.

“Often, when we meet patients and their families for the first time, they have a limited knowledge base of spina bifida,” said KuoJen Tsao M.D., co-director of The Fetal Center, “We believe that it is our responsibility to educate our patients about spina bifida first, and fetal surgery second. Patients cannot make a fully informed decision about their treatment options if they don’t have the fundamental knowledge of their condition.”

The video is intended to be utilized as an adjunct to The Fetal Center’s two-day consultation by providing objective information about spina bifida and fetal surgery. Patients are asked to view the online video prior to their initial consultation at The Fetal Center. By reducing information gaps and proactively addressing preconceived notions, we anticipate patients will begin with a better knowledge base and be able to ask more in-depth questions when meeting with the affiliated spina bifida fetal surgery team at The Fetal Center.

Many physicians affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital are faculty at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. The affiliated physicians from McGovern Medical School consults with patients at UT Physicians clinic with all advanced treatments provided at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.